The final print edition of Golf World magazine recounts Rory McIlroy's victory at the Open Championship.

The transition from print to digital took another big stride today, at least in the world of golf, when Golf World magazine announced[2] that this week's issue would be its last on paper.

Golf World – the oldest surviving golf magazine in America, published since 1947 – had been publishing 31 weeks a year, and will switch immediately to an all-digital format. Golf World is the sister publication of Golf Digest, which will continue to print its monthly editions.

"These are the right decisions, but they're tough ones," said Jerry Tarde, the chairman of both magazines. "This brand has been around a long time, and we want it be around for a long time. The only way to do it is by meeting the expectation of our readers.

"It's a response to the times and people's reading habits, and the changing nature of the 24-hour news cycle," he added. "The notion of a print magazine that lands a week after the action ... the perspective is really good, but it's much better if it can be delivered immediately. That's what our readers' expectations are."

The all-digital product will combine[3] the magazine's trademark tournament coverage and opinion pieces with other features including, eventually, video reporting.

The change was described as part of a "new strategic vision" for Golf World, whic will now produce 50 digital editions per year. Starting next week, the magazine will be available for free on the Golf Digest website[3]. Current subscribers can get a refund for the remainder of their subscription or switch over to a Golf Digest subscription, the company said.